The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced new global guidance aimed at helping countries reform and strengthen their mental health policies and systems.
The initiative comes as millions worldwide continue to struggle with access to quality mental health care.
The guidance provides a clear roadmap for governments to transform mental health services in line with international human rights standards, ensuring equitable and accessible care for all.
“Despite rising demand, quality mental health services remain out of reach for many people,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This new guidance gives all governments the tools to promote and protect mental health and build systems that serve everyone.”
Uganda’s Growing Mental Health Burden
Uganda is facing an alarming rise in mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 14 million Ugandans about one-third of the population experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
However, stigma, underfunding, and inadequate service provision continue to limit access to care.
Butabika National Referral Hospital, the country’s main psychiatric facility, is often overwhelmed with patients, while many smaller health centers lack trained mental health professionals.
As a result, individuals in need of care must often travel long distances and endure long wait times.
“The demand for mental health services in Uganda is far greater than what we can currently offer,” said Janet Katana, a psychologist at Safe Places Uganda. “Stigma and misinformation prevent many from seeking help, and those who do often face delays due to inadequate funding and staffing.”
WHO’s Roadmap for Change
The WHO’s new guidance outlines key actions that countries, including Uganda, can take to close gaps in mental health care:
Protecting human rights: Ensuring mental health policies align with international standards and eliminating discrimination against those with mental health conditions.
Promoting holistic care: Integrating mental health services with physical health care and incorporating psychological, social, and economic interventions.
Addressing social and economic factors: Recognizing the impact of employment, housing, education, and poverty on mental health and implementing policies to address these issues.
Enhancing prevention strategies: Implementing nationwide programs to promote mental well-being and prevent mental illnesses before they develop.
Involving people with lived experiences: Engaging individuals affected by mental health conditions in policy planning and service design to make interventions more effective.
Additionally, WHO has identified five priority areas for urgent reform: leadership and governance, service organization, workforce development, person-centered interventions, and addressing social and structural determinants of mental health.
With Uganda’s mental health crisis growing, the implementation of WHO’s recommendations could play a critical role in improving access to care and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.